Hobbies & Crafts

By Danielle Smith

Hobbies & Crafts

As we get older we may start to lose some of our mobility due to arthritis, injuries or falls – but this does not mean that we cannot join in with activities and crafts.

If you are living with limited mobility one of the ways you can still participate in an activity is through knitting – as this does not require moving around.

Knitting for Age UK Hertfordshire

Knitting is an ancient Egyptian technique of producing fabric to create garments such as socks and cardigans. Knitting was more than a hobby in wartime, it became an act of nationalism. Millions of women, children and men came together with their knitting needles to create numerous items, which were then sent out to Allied forces during World War Two - this was known as ‘Knitting for Victory!’

Although knitting is not usually known for this now, it is still a popular social activity that many people enjoy. Whether you are a complete beginner or someone more advanced, there are many ways to get involved in knitting in Hertfordshire today.

One great way to get involved is through Age UK National’s ‘Big Knit’ Campaign. Now in its 16th year, the campaign is recruiting knitters all over the UK to knit 1.6 million hats that are to be placed on top of Innocent Smoothie bottles. For each bottle sold that has a little hat on the top, each Age UK participating will receive 25p from the sale – which helps to support local older people who are facing late life alone.

Once you have knitted your hats, you can simply deliver them to your nearest Age UK Hertfordshire drop off point which is The Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre in Watford (See end of article for full address). Why not get a group of knitters together to meet up every week!

Men in Sheds

If knitting is not for you, another activity run by Age UK Hertfordshire is ‘Men in Sheds’. Originally set up in Australia in the late 1980’s, these groups provided a space for men to improve their overall health through various activities and friendship building. With many ‘Sheds’ set up globally, they now allow women to come to the groups and join in. One of the Men in Sheds groups in Hertfordshire is at The Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre. Here each week, the clients get to decide what they would like to happen whether it is painting, woodworking workshop, gardening or relaxing with a cup of tea playing dominos – It is all about building social connections and having fun! For further information about how you can join Men in Sheds, please contact Kerry James on: 0208 428 5507

If you would like to send in your Innocent Smoothie Hats please send to either address below: The Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre, Watford, Clitheroe Gardens, South Oxhey, Watford, WD19 6RP